Dielectric energy storage systems

ABSTRACT

A Dielectric Energy Storage System (DESS), a Dielectric Energy Storage System Management System (DESS-MS), and method that stores energy for a wide variety of applications.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to energy storage devices thatare based on the Dense Energy Ultra-Cell (DEUC) applied in a DielectricEnergy Storage System (DESS).

Current battery and rechargeable battery technologies do not lendthemselves to a broad range of applications. Limited recharge cycles,limited energy density and limited voltage all have restrictive impactson a wide range of applications. Large and heavy batteries are appliedto electric vehicles and contribute a significant portion of the weightof the vehicle to enable driving range.

Current capacitors and electrolytic energy storage systems do not havethe energy storage capacities, charge cycles or rapid chargecapabilities that can compete with the DEUC technology.

Many important applications demand high energy density, high operatingvoltage per cell, and an extended battery life-cycle.

Therefore a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art asdiscussed above.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally relates to a new energy storage systembased on the Dense Energy Ultra-Cell (DEUC technology. The DielectricEnergy Storage System (DESS) brings together all of the componentsnecessary to charge the Dielectric Energy Storage Module (DESM), storeenergy within the DESM and deliver controlled output voltage andamperage to the selected application. The DESS provides rapid charging,and over 500,000 recharge cycles. The stored voltage can be as high as2,000 volts.

The Dielectric Energy Storage System (DESS) is comprised of a DielectricEnergy Storage Module (DESM) based on the Dense Energy Ultra-Cell (DEUC)technology, a DESM Charging System (DCS) and an output Voltage andAmperage Regulator (VAR).

Dielectric Energy Storage Module (DESM)

The DEUC technology enables a dense energy power storage device. TheDEUC Element is the building bock of the Dense Energy Storage System.According to various embodiments the DEUC Element is designed as amultilayer ceramic capacitor with a proprietary dielectric energystorage material that provides high permittivity, high internalresistivity to retain charge and high breakdown voltage. One or moreDEUC Elements are interconnected to make the Dielectric Energy StorageModule (DESM).

Dielectric Energy Storage System (DESS) Charging

A dielectric energy storage charge and output voltage regulation systemis provided as part of the Dielectric Energy Storage Module (DESM). Thedevice is known as the Dense Energy Ultra-Cell (DEUC). The dielectricenergy storage device stored direct current (DC) voltage. The DESMCharging System (DCS) can accept DC voltage or alternating current (AC)voltage and will provide a stepped-up DC voltage to the solidstate-dielectric energy storage device. The output of the dielectricenergy storage device is DC voltage and current which is stepped-downfrom the stored voltage level to the desired application voltage.Amperage is regulated on the out-put voltage to provide the desiredapplication voltage and current. The DC output voltage may be convertedto AC voltage depending on application needs.

In a battery technology energy storage device, the amps are depleted asthe electric energy is discharges. Contrary to a battery technology, theDEUC dielectric energy storage system, the voltage is depleted as thedielectric energy is discharged.

There are a broad range of charging systems, voltage step up systems,voltage step down systems and amperage control systems, many of whichcan be used in a Dielectric Energy Storage System (DESS).

DESS Output Voltage and Amperage Regulator

A dielectric energy storage charge and output voltage regulation systemis provided to support the Dielectric Energy Storage Module (DESM). Thedielectric energy storage device stores direct current (DC) voltage. Thecharging system can accept DC voltage or alternating current (AC)voltage and will provide a stepped-up DC voltage to the solidstate-dielectric energy storage device. The output of the dielectricenergy storage device is DC voltage and current which is stepped-downfrom the stored voltage level to the desired application voltage.Amperage is regulated on the out-put voltage to provide the desiredapplication voltage and current. The DC output voltage may be convertedto AC voltage depending on application needs.

DESS Management

The DESS Management System (DESS-MS) monitors a variety of parametersand manages the DESS operational characteristics to provide optimizedperformance and increase safety measures.

DESS Safety

The DESS system safety features include the use of a dielectric fluid toact as an insulating and isolating fluid between the internal componentsof the DESM. In addition, a dielectric fluid with Electrorheological(ER) characteristics can be used as a damper fluid. In one embodiment,these fluids may flow through the DESM to cool the DESM components andpass through a cooling station and return to the DESM. In anotherembodiment the fluids may reside in the DESM and be cooled by a heatsink.

To ensure safety in case of a short in the DESS system, multiple layersof fused and or switching devices are deployed at strategic pointswithin the DESM and subcomponents and between DESMs in the DESS Array.

The first fused point is at the Dense Energy Ultra-Cell Element wherethe electrode layers within the DEUC Elements are designed to create anopen and disconnect from the collection plate upon a short across theleft and right electrode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures in which like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separateviews, and which together with the detailed description below areincorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to furtherillustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles andadvantages all in accordance with the present disclosure, in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an example of a DEUC Element, which is anenergy storage device, with an MLCC Structure;

FIG. 2 is an example representation of a Transmission ElectronMicroscopy (TEM) image of modified internal barrier layer capacitor(IBLC) material grains (e.g., nanoparticles) suspended in a matrix andforming a Dielectric Energy Storage Material (DESM) in the DEUC Elementshown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating examples of a DEUC Element used as abuilding block to create various energy storage structures and systems;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first example embodiment of aDielectric Energy Storage System (DESS);

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a second example embodiment of aDielectric Energy Storage System;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a third example embodiment of aDielectric Energy Storage System; and

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example embodiment of aDielectric Energy Storage System.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it isto be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples andthat the devices, systems and methods described herein can be embodiedin various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as abasis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one ofordinary skill in the art to variously employ the disclosed subjectmatter in virtually any proprietary detailed structure and function.Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to belimiting, but rather, to provide an understandable description.Additionally, unless otherwise specifically expressed or clearlyunderstood from the context of use, a term as used herein describes thesingular and/or the plural of that term.

The present disclosure generally relates to a new Dielectric EnergyStorage System (DESS) that is based on the Dense Energy Ultra-Cell(DEUC) technology. The Dielectric Energy Storage System (DESS) bringstogether all of the components necessary to charge the DESS, storeenergy within the DESS and deliver controlled output voltage andamperage to the selected application. The DESS provides rapid charging,and over 500,000 recharge cycles. The stored voltage can be as high as2,000 volts.

DEUC Technology

The DEUC technology provides a dense energy power storage device. TheDEUC Element is the building bock of the Dense Energy Storage System.According to various embodiments the DEUC Element is designed as amultilayer ceramic capacitor with a proprietary dielectric energystorage material that provides high permittivity, high internalresistivity to retain charge and high breakdown voltage.

FIG. 1 illustrates the individual dielectric energy storage layers 102,internal electrode layers 106 and external electrodes 104 within a DEUCElement 100 in a multilayer ceramic capacitor configuration.

FIG. 2 illustrates a representation of a Transmission ElectronMicroscopy image of a modified internal barrier layer capacitor (IBLC)material 200 including nanoparticles, also referred to as grains, 202suspended in a matrix 204 forming a Dielectric Energy Storage Material(DESM) 200 as dielectric material 102 in a DEUC Element 100 such asshown in FIG. 1 .

According to various embodiments, the modified internal barrier layercapacitor material 200 has a dielectric permittivity of at least 50,000;a resistivity of at least 10¹² ohms/centimeter; and a dielectricstrength of at least 50 volts per micron of thickness.

According to various embodiments, the modified internal barrier layercapacitor material 200 is a new composition of matter that, for example,includes two or more highly resistive materials which are integratedinto a chemistry of a grain boundary of an internal barrier layercapacitor material including a greater than 75% percentage of primarynanoparticles relative to all particles in a defined volume of therespective material. A primary nanoparticle typically measures less thanor equal to approximately 20 nm in a critical dimension of each suchprimary nanoparticle.

This new composition of matter results, for example, in a highpermittivity of a dielectric compound, a high resistivity of thedielectric compound, and a low leakage current and high breakdownvoltage of the dielectric compound, thereby enabling a highly efficientenergy storage dielectric material.

In one example, the new compound is formed by a sequential addition oftwo or more highly resistive materials that increase an internal barrierlayer capacitor material resistivity and therefore increase the abilityto apply a strong voltage across the internal barrier layer capacitormaterial. The inventor has discovered that by adding multiple resistivematerials to calcium copper titanium oxide (CCTO) in a specific sequenceit modifies the chemistry of the CCTO outer grain boundary. When certainresistive materials are added in the correct sequence and correctmethods, the permittivity, resistivity and breakdown voltage can beoptimized. Additionally, the inventor has discovered that by applying anovel particle reduction method to one or more materials (typicallyoxide materials) for adding into the internal barrier layer capacitormaterial a new compound is formed comprising an internal barrier layercapacitor material including a greater than 75% percentage of primarynanoparticles relative to all particles in a defined volume of therespective material. This novel particle reduction method, for example,results in a highly efficient energy storage dielectric material.

The small size of very fine nanoparticles (e.g., primary nanoparticles)allows them to have unique characteristics that may not be possible on amacro-scale.

According to various embodiments, the dielectric energy storage materialincludes an internal barrier layer capacitor material nanoparticlesencapsulated in a resistive material forming core shell nanoparticles ina core shell nanoparticles material. The core shell nanoparticlesmaterial, for example, can be heat treated to between 600° C. to 1,000°C. which hardens the shell material. The core shell nanoparticlesmaterial can be further heated to between 900° C. to 1,100° C. whichsinters the core material forming fully sintered core shellnanoparticles material. The fully sintered core shell nanoparticlesmaterial is combined with a resistive material (e.g., SiO₂ and/oranother oxide material) which form a loaded matrix that is loaded withthe core shell nanoparticle material. The loaded matrix is heat treatedto form a hardened loaded matrix material. This matrix material can alsobe referred to as one or more of a dielectric energy storage material, adielectric energy storage material matrix, dielectric energy storagematrix, or the like.

According to various embodiments, the core of the core shellnanoparticles is comprised of calcium copper titanate (CCTO), the shellis comprised of SiO₂, and the matrix is comprised of SiO₂. In certainembodiments, the core of the core shell particles is comprised ofcalcium copper titanate (CCTO) doped with one or more of the followingmaterials: Al₂O₃ (Aluminium Oxide), Ru (Ruthenium), La (Lanthanum), orTeO₂ (Tellurium oxide).

One or more DEUC Elements 100 can be interconnected in series and/orparallel to create a DEUC Cell 306. In various embodiments, multipleDEUC Elements 100 are interconnected in series and/or parallel to form aDEUC Stack 302, as shown in the example of FIG. 3 .

A DEUC Stack 302 typically includes a control and interface module 304.The control and interface module 304, according to the example, isoperationally coupled with the DEUC Elements 100 in the DEUC Stack 302.The control and interface module 304 can include one or more sensormodules that monitor physical conditions of the DEUC Elements 100 in theDEUC Stack 302. The control and interface module 304 provides circuitcontrol signals that can electrically couple various DEUC elements 100together and/or electrically isolate one or more DEUC Elements 100 fromthe other DEUC Elements 100 in the DEUC Stack 302. The control andinterface module 304 can manage physical and/or electrical connectionsin the DEUC Stack 302, such as while charging energy is coupled into theDEUC elements 100, storage of energy is maintained in the DEUC elements100, and discharging energy is coupled out from the DEUC elements 100.The control and interface module 304 also provides an electricalinterface to the DEUC Stack 302, which can be used to couple chargingenergy into the DEUC elements 100 in the DEUC Stack 302, and to coupledischarging energy out from the DEUC elements 100.

According to various embodiments, multiple DEUC Stacks 302 can beinterconnected to form a DEUC Cell 306, as shown in the example DEUCCell 306 of FIG. 3 . A DEUC Cell 306 typically, although notnecessarily, includes a control and interface module 308. The examplecontrol and interface module 308 shown in FIG. 3 includes a positivecharge terminal 310 and a negative charge terminal 312. The DEUC Cell306 includes internal positive electrodes 314 and internal negativeelectrodes 316. These internal electrodes 314, 316, provideinterconnections between DEUC Stacks 302 inside the DEUC Cell 306. Ahousing/enclosure/cover 318 covers and protects internal components ofthe DEUC Cell 306. The housing 318 includes two openings (ports) 320,322, for passing therethrough the positive charge terminal 310 and thenegative charge terminal 312 while the housing 318 encloses the internalcomponents of the DEUC Cell 306.

In various embodiments, multiple DEUC Cells 306 are interconnected toform a DEUC Module 324. Each of the DEUC Cells 306, in the DEUC Module324, includes multiple DEUC Stacks 302 with each DEUC Stack 302, in thisexample, including a control and interface module 308. The DEUC Module324 also is coupled to a DEUC controller module 326 to create aDielectric Energy Storage Module (DESM) which is a component in aDielectric Energy Storage System (DESS).

The DEUC controller module 326 includes at least one processor whichcontrols electrical connections and electrical isolation between the oneor more DEUC Elements 100 and between each of the multiple DEUC Stacks302 in the DEUC Module 324. The DEUC controller module 326 also includes(or is associated with) one or more sensor modules, operatively coupledwith the at least one processor, and which are configured to monitormeasured values of one or more physical conditions of respectively oneor more DEUC Elements 100 in the DEUC Module 324. The one or more sensormodules communicate sensor data to the at least one processor in theDEUC controller module 326. A combination of the DEUC Module 324 and theDEUC controller module 326 can also be referred to as a DielectricEnergy Storage Module (DESM), which is a component in a DielectricEnergy Storage System (DESS). The one or more DEUC Elements 100 can alsobe referred to as one or more subcomponents of a Dielectric EnergyStorage Module (DESM) in a Dielectric Energy Storage System (DESS).

In certain embodiments, multiple DEUC Modules 324 can be interconnectedto form a Dielectric Energy Storage System (DESS) Array 402 such asshown in the example of FIG. 4 .

As discussed above, FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate examples of how the DEUCElement 100 can be used as a building block to create various DielectricEnergy Storage System (DESS) components.

In summary, one or more DEUC elements 100 can be combined to create aDEUC stack 302. One or more DEUC Stacks 302 can be combined to create aDEUC Cell 306. One or more DEUC Cells 306 can be combined to create aDielectric Energy Storage Module (DESM) 324, 326.

A Dielectric Energy Storage System (DESS), according to variousembodiments, can include one or more of the following:

A DEUC Element 100, as a building block of a DEUC Stack 302 and/or aDEUC Cell 306;

A DEUC Stack 302, where one or more DEUC Elements 100 are connected inseries and/or parallel circuit(s) to form the DEUC Stack 302;

A DEUC Cell 306, where one or more DEUC Elements and/or DEUC Stacks canbe connected in series and/or parallel circuit(s) to form the DEUC Cell306; or

A Dielectric Energy Storage Module (DESM) 324,326, where one or moreDEUC Cells 306 can be interconnected in series and/or parallelcircuit(s) to form the Dielectric Energy Storage Module (DESM) 324, 326.

Additionally, a DESS 400 can include a Dielectric Energy Storage System(DESS) Array 402, where one or more DESM's 324, 326, can be combined andinterconnected in series and/or parallel circuit(s) to form a DESS Array402. See the example DESS and components shown in FIG. 4 .

Dielectric Energy Storage System (DESS)

The Dielectric Energy Storage System (DESS), according to variousembodiments, has a charging system to charge one or more components ofthe DESS, such as one or more Dielectric Energy Storage Modules (DESM),one or more DEUC Cells, one or more DEUC Modules, or one or more DEUCArrays, or a combination thereof.

The charging system, according to certain embodiments, applies DCvoltage and a charge current to one or more DESMs 324, 326, to storecharge energy in the one or more DESMs 324, 326. The one or more DESMs324, 326, according to various embodiments, will apply the stored chargeenergy to one or more applications. In a dielectric energy storagemodule 324, 326, the voltage is depleted as an application consumesenergy from the DESMs 324, 326. This is a different operation from aconventional battery device where amperage (current) from the batterydevice is depleted. In the DESM 324, 326, the depth of discharge iscalculated by taking the application voltage output from the DESM 324,326, and dividing the application voltage output by the charged voltagestored in the DESM 324, 326.

For example, and not for limitation, an electric vehicle operating at upto 450 volts DC, would have a 71.8% depth of discharge with a DESMcharge of 1,600 volts DC. The 450 volts DC as an output voltage from aDESM 324, 326, is enabled through a voltage step-down and amperagecontrol system from 1,600 volts dc to 450 volts DC. This provides aconsistent output voltage capability of 450 volts dc from the DESM 324,326.

As will be discussed more fully below, according to various embodiments,the depth of discharge can be enhanced by using a remaining DESM voltagebelow 450 volts dc in a step-up voltage configuration to continue toprovide 450 volts dc as the DESM output voltage drains down toapproximately ˜100 volts dc, providing a 93.7% depth of discharge.

FIG. 4 illustrates one example embodiment of a DESS Management System(DESS-MS) 406. The DESMs 324, 326, the subcomponents of the DESMs 324,326, and the DESS Array 402, can individually or collectively reportthermal data (410,411) a measurement system 404 in the DESS 400. Also,current data and voltage data can also be reported to the measurementsystem 404. The measurement system 404 reports data to at least oneprocessor of the DESS-MS 406. The DESS-MS 406 can use the reported datafrom the measurement system 404 to estimate output voltage capability410 for the DESS Array 402, to estimate a state of charge 412 of theDESS Array 402 and of the individual components of the DESS Array 402.The DESS-MS 406 can use the reported data to analyze and record a stateof health 414 of the DESS Array 402. The DESS-MS 406 can use thereported data to analyze and manage a thermal state of the DESS Array402 and of the individual components of the DESS Array 402. The DESS-MS406 can use the reported data to analyze and manage a state of chargestored in the DESS Array 402 and in the individual components of theDESS Array 402. The DESS-MS 406 can use the reported data to analyze andmanage an estimated output voltage capability from the DESS Array 402.The at least one processor of the DESS Management System 406 can alsoprovide this reported data to one or more communication networks 424 viaan internal bus 422 and/or via a communication interface which cancouple this data, via the one or more communication networks 424, to oneor more of a central control unit or distributed control units. The oneor more of a central control unit or distributed control units can alsocommunicate one or more commands, via the one or more communicationnetworks 424 to the at least one processor of the DESS Management System406. The at least one processor of the DESS Management System 406 cansend control signals via a control interface module 420 to the DESSArray 402 and to individual components thereof.

The DESS Management System 406 includes a Safety Measures controller 418that can analyze the reported data from the measurement system 404, andany commands received from the one or more of a central control unit ordistributed control units, and in response send control signals and/orcommands to the DESS Array 402 via the control interface module 420.Safety measures for the DESS Array 402 can be performed by the at leastone processor, interoperating with the Safety Measures controller 418,such as actuating electrical isolation of DESMs 324, 326, and/or DESMsubcomponents such one or more DEUC Elements 100 and one or more DEUCStacks 302 in the DEUC Module 324. The at least one processorinteroperating with the Safety Measures controller 418, in response toreceiving the reported data from the measurement system 404, and anycommands received from the one or more of a central control unit ordistributed control units, can also actuate electrical connectionsbetween DESM subcomponents such one or more DEUC Elements 100 and one ormore DEUC Stacks 302 in the DEUC Module 324. Safety measures for theDESS Array 402, as illustrated in the examples provided above, can beperformed by the at least one processor of the DESS Management System406.

DESS Charging and Output Voltage/Amperage Regulation

A dielectric energy storage charge and output voltage regulation systemis provided to support the Dielectric Energy Storage Module (DESM) 324,326. Aspects of the technology applied to create the Dielectric EnergyStorage Module are described in various references such as but notlimited to U.S. Pat. No. 10,347,443, entitled ADVANCED DIELECTRIC ENERGYSTORAGE DEVICE AND METHOD OF FABRICATION. The dielectric energy storagedevice can include one or more Dense Energy Ultra-Cell (DEUC) modules100. The dielectric energy storage device stores direct current (DC)voltage. The charging system, according to various embodiments, canaccept as input direct current (DC) voltage or alternating current (AC)voltage, and will provide an output stepped-up DC voltage to the solidstate-dielectric energy storage device. The output of the dielectricenergy storage device, in this example, is DC voltage and currentmatched by being stepped-down from the stored voltage level of thedielectric energy storage device to a target voltage and currentrequired to be consumed by a desired application. Amperage is regulatedon the output voltage to provide the desired application voltage andcurrent. The DC output voltage may be converted to AC voltage dependingon application needs, according to various embodiments.

In a battery technology energy storage device, the current amps aredepleted as the electric energy is discharged from the battery. Contraryto a battery technology, the DEUC dielectric energy storage system, thevoltage is depleted as the dielectric energy is discharged.

There is a broad range of charging systems, voltage step up systems,voltage step down systems, and amperage control systems, which can beused in various embodiments of a Dielectric Energy Storage System(DESS).

In one embodiment, a voltage step-up converter can be applied to chargethe DESM. A voltage step-down and current control is required to supplyspecific voltage and current to power certain applications.

In certain embodiments, a buck regulator configured as a multi-stagestep-up converter could be provided for efficient charging of the DESMand a boost converter is applied to step down the charge voltage to thetarget application voltage. Current limiting electronics may also beapplied.

In certain embodiments, a DEUC Cell replaces a smoothing capacitor inthe voltage step up, and/or the voltage step down and current limitingsystems. According to certain embodiments, for providing high chargevoltages, such as up to 1,600 volts dc, and for outputting voltages inaccordance with application voltages of up to 600 volts dc, the DEUCCell offers a compact and high performance energy storage and releasedevice to replace the smoothing capacitor.

An example DESM uses high voltage to obtain a high energy densitystorage and can be charged with voltages of up to 1,600 volts dc orhigher. A voltage of 1,600 volts dc is typically not available so astep-up voltage system can be used for most applications.

In a conventional step-up voltage converter a capacitor is used tosmooth the stepped-up voltage and prevent voltage drops below thedesired stepped-up voltage.

In one embodiment, the charge voltage is stepped-up using a solid-statedielectric energy storage device. Additionally, the smoothing capacitorcan be replaced with a DEUC Cell.

In another embodiment, a charge voltage step-up process can start with alower voltage and scale the voltage up to the desired charge voltage toease voltage and current flow into a solid-state dielectric energystorage device.

In another embodiment the smoothing capacitor can be completely removedas the solid-state dielectric energy storage device can accept anyvoltage below the step-up voltage.

In a high voltage battery technology energy storage device, the voltagecan be divided into multiple phases to allow for more efficient voltageregulation.

In one embodiment of a DESM, current is divided with voltage regulationon each current pathway.

To apply the voltage in the DESM, a current control is required with astep-down voltage system to apply the required application voltage.

In one example embodiment, the output current and voltage are dividedacross parallel paths. The parallel paths provide a current division.Dividing the current across multiple electrical paths allows for a moreefficient current control. In this example, the voltage is regulatedfrom each current path to provide a desired voltage on each path. Eachelectrical pathway can be controlled individually. Two or moreelectrical pathways may be combined for an application current andvoltage. As the DESM is discharged, the voltage is depleted.

In a conventional step-down voltage regulator, a capacitor is used tosmooth the voltage and prevent voltage drops below the desiredstepped-down voltage from the solid-state dielectric energy storagedevice.

In one embodiment, the output voltage from a solid-state dielectricenergy storage device can be regulated to provide the desired outputvoltage and current. Smoothing capacitors can be avoided in both voltageregulation and current regulation with a solid-state dielectric energystorage device.

A frequently used method for a power device to convert an input voltageto a specified output voltage includes power conversion at highefficiency by using a switching DC-DC converter.

The switching DC-DC converter controls a first switching element insynchronization with a second switching element, and this allowsformation of channels in the switching elements, and thus, resistance ofthe switching elements in an ON state can be decreased, and highefficiency power conversion can be performed even under a heavy load.

However, although high power conversion efficiency can be obtained undera heavy load, a charging and discharging current occurring when thesecond switching element switches under a light load becomesnon-negligible, so that the overall conversion efficiency lowers.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a step-up DC-DCconverter able to change a control scheme of a second switching elementwhen a load current is under a heavy load or when it is under a lightload, to provide high efficiency power conversion under both the heavyload and the light load.

In another example of a charge circuit for solid state dielectric energystorage, the first switch is in synchronization with a second switch toreduce the resistance of the switches in the circuit.

In another embodiment, the DESM voltage is monitored and the step-downvoltage and amperage control system converts to a step-up voltage andamperage control system once the DESM stored voltage reaches theapplication voltage. This allows the DESS to continue to provide theapplication voltage until the DESM stored voltage is discharged to avoltage lower than the application voltage.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the detailed description hereinof example embodiments given with reference to the accompanyingdrawings.

DESS Applications

The DESS provides an energy storage system with rapid charge, 500,000 ormore recharge cycles, higher than 4 volts for application voltagesupport, the elimination of lithium and high energy density to support abroad range of applications. The applications include but are notlimited to manned and unmanned electric vehicles, mass transit, mannedand unmanned aircraft and drones, manned and unmanned marine andsubmarine vehicles, space craft and space stations, energy storage forthe electric power grid, energy storage for alternative energygeneration, power and power backup for mobile and fixed electronicdevices, power for personal electronics, power backup for buildings andcomputer systems, power subcomponents for electronics and chargingstations that can provide rapid charge.

Electric Vehicles and Mass Transit

The Dielectric Energy Storage System can be applied to provide power toan electric vehicle and mass transit vehicles or systems to supply thepower to the motor that propels the vehicle. The Dielectric EnergyStorage System can also support the onboard electronics. The DielectricEnergy Storage System also receives charging from regenerative deviceson-board. In one embodiment, during the braking operation, the brakecontroller directs the electricity produced by the motor into theDielectric Energy Storage System.

In another embodiment, when the driver steps on the brake pedal of anelectric or hybrid vehicle, the brakes can be designed to put thevehicle's electric motor into reverse, causing it to run backwards, thusslowing the car's wheels. While running backwards, the motor also actsas an electric generator, producing electricity that is fed into theDielectric Energy Storage System.

Aircraft

The Dielectric Energy Storage System applied to manned or unmannedaircraft or drones to supply the power to the motor that propels theaircraft or drone. The Dielectric Energy Storage System can also supportthe onboard electronics.

Space Exploration

The Dielectric Energy Storage System can be readily applied tospacecraft, space vehicles and space stations.

Marine

The Dielectric Energy Storage System can be readily applied to marinevehicles and submarine vehicles. The Dielectric Energy Storage Systemprovides power to propel manned or unmanned marine and submarinevehicles. The Dielectric Energy Storage System can also support theonboard electronics.

FIG. 5 illustrates one example embodiment of a Dielectric Energy StorageSystem (DESS) 500, where a Dielectric Energy Storage System (DESS) Array502 comprises one or more Dielectric Energy Storage Modules (DESM). TheDESMs (1 through n) in the DESS Array 502 are charged by the ChargingSystem 508 that receives a direct current electric charge from an AC/DCcharging station 510 or a DEUC Charging Station 512. The AC/DC chargingstation 510 receives, for example, an AC charge from the electric powergrid or from an alternative energy generation system 513. An alternativeenergy generation system 513 can include many different arrangements ofelectric power generation devices, as alternatives to receiving powerfrom the electric power grid. For example, and not for limitation, solarpower generators, wind turbines for power generation, and the like, maybe used as the alternative energy generation system 513 in the DESS 500.

If the AC/DC charging station 510 receives AC power it converts the ACpower to DC power to feed the DESS Charging System 508.

If the AC/DC charging station 510 receives DC power it feeds the DCpower to the DESS Charging System 508. The DESS charging station 510,according to certain embodiments, may receive a charge from aRegenerative Power system 513.

The DESMs (1 to n) in the DESS Array 502 store DC power (charge) for useby one or more applications 516.

The Output Voltage and Amperage Regulator 514 provide an output voltageand amperage designed and regulated to support each particularapplication. In this example, two example applications are shown, suchas electric motor(s) 516 as an application and certain applicationelectronics 518 as an application.

The DESS Management System 504, in this example, monitors, reports, andanalyzes DESM components in the DESS Array 502. The DESS ManagementSystem 504 receives, for example, sensor data that monitors physicalconditions of DESM components in the DESS Array 502, analyzes the sensordata, and provides control signals and commands to the DESS Array 502,such as for implementing corrective measures in case of a faultcondition or an out of tolerance measurement is detected.

At least one processor of the DESS Management System 504 can alsoprovide reported data from the DSS Array 502 to one or morecommunication networks 506 via an internal bus and/or via acommunication interface which can couple this data, via the one or morecommunication networks 506, to one or more of a central control unit ordistributed control units. The one or more of a central control unit ordistributed control units can also communicate one or more commands, viathe one or more communication networks 506 to the at least one processorof the DESS Management System 504. The at least one processor of theDESS Management System 504 can send control signals via a controlinterface module to the DESS Array 502 and to individual componentsthereof.

The example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 is one of many DESSconfigurations that can implement dielectric energy storage systemswhich can provide power for various types of applications, including,but not limited to, an electric vehicle, mass transit vehicles, marineor submarine vehicles, manned or unmanned vehicles, manned or unmannedaircraft, spacecraft, space vehicles and space stations. The example inFIG. 5 also illustrates charging from DEUC charging stations and fromregenerative power devices that can optionally be on-board the DESS.

Power Grid

The Dielectric Energy Storage System can be applied to grid energydistribution systems. The DESS charges (or collects energy) from thegrid or from a power plant, and then discharges that energy at a latertime to provide electricity or other grid services when needed byparticular application(s).

Energy Storage for Alternative Energy Generators

The Dielectric Energy Storage System can be applied to store power froman alternative energy system such as but not limited to solar power andwind power. The DESS charges (or collects energy) from the alternativeenergy generator to be applied to an application or to discharge energyto the electric power distribution grid.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a Dielectric Energy Storage System(DESS) 600 where the Dielectric Energy Storage System Array 602comprises one or more Dielectric Energy Storage Modules (DESM) (1 to n).

The DESMs (1 to n) in the DESS Array 602 are charged by the ChargingSystem 608 that can receive a direct current electric charge from anAC/DC charging station (not shown in FIG. 6 , but an example is shown inFIG. 5 ) or a DEUC Charging Station (not shown in FIG. 6 , but anexample is shown in FIG. 5 ) that are connected to the Electric Grid610.

The DESMs (1 to n) in the DESS Array 602 store DC power (electriccharge) for use by one or more applications. The stored DC power(voltage) can be converted back to AC voltage and then coupled into theElectric Grid 610.

The Output Voltage and Amperage Regulator 614 provides output voltageand amperage designed and regulated to support particular application(s)or provides a DC/AC conversion system to supply voltage (power) into theElectric Grid 610.

The DESS Management System 604 monitors, reports, and analyzes, DESMcomponents of the DESS Array 602 and allows control of the DESS Array602 for implementing corrective and safety measures such as in case of afault condition or an out of tolerance measurement.

At least one processor of the DESS Management System 604 can alsoprovide reported data from the DESS Array 602 to one or morecommunication networks 606 via an internal bus and/or via acommunication interface which can couple this data, via the one or morecommunication networks 606, to one or more of a central control unit ordistributed control units. The one or more of a central control unit ordistributed control units can also communicate one or more commands, viathe one or more communication networks 606 to the at least one processorof the DESS Management System 604. The at least one processor of theDESS Management System 504 can send control signals via a controlinterface module to the DESS Array 602 and to individual componentsthereof.

The example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 is one of many DESSconfigurations that can support energy storage for use by particularapplications and for coupling electric power into the electric powerdistribution grid 610.

Power Backup

The Dielectric Energy Storage System can be applied to provide reliablepower and backup power to a building.

Computer Systems Power Backup

The Dielectric Energy Storage System can be applied to provide reliableand backup power to computer systems.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a Dielectric Energy Storage System(DESS) 700 where a Dielectric Energy Storage System Array 702 comprisesone or more Dielectric Energy Storage Modules (DESM) (1 to n). The DESMs(1 to n) in the DESS Array 702 are charged by the Charging System 708which can receive a direct current (DC) electric charge from an AC/DCcharging station (not shown in FIG. 7 , but an example is shown in FIG.5 ) or a DEUC Charging Station (not shown in FIG. 7 , but an example isshown in FIG. 5 ). The AC/DC charging station receives an AC charge(power) from the electric grid 710 or from alternative energy generationsystem 712. If the AC/DC charging station receives AC power it convertsthe AC power to DC to feed this power to the DESS Charging System 708.If the AC/DC charging station receives DC power it feeds the DC power tothe DESS Charging System 708. The DESS charging station, according tocertain embodiments, may receive a charge from a Regenerative Powersystem (not shown in FIG. 7 , but an example is shown in FIG. 5 ).

The DESMs (1 to n) in the DESS Array 702 store DC power (charge) for useby one or more applications.

The Output Voltage and Amperage Regulator 714 provide an output voltageand amperage designed and regulated to support each particularapplication. In this example, two applications are shown, e.g., abuilding power system 718 or computer systems and application s 720.

The DESS Management System 704 monitors, reports, and analyzes sensordata and other data from DESM components in the DESS Array 702. The DESSManagement System 704 also provides control signals and commands to theDESS Array 702, and subcomponents thereof, such as to implementcorrective and safety measures in case of a fault condition or an out oftolerance measurement being detected by the DESS Management System 704.

At least one processor of the DESS Management System 704 can alsoprovide reported data from the DSS Array 702 to one or morecommunication networks 706 via an internal bus and/or via acommunication interface which can couple this data, via the one or morecommunication networks 706, to one or more of a central control unit ordistributed control units. The one or more of a central control unit ordistributed control units can also communicate one or more commands, viathe one or more communication networks 706 to the at least one processorof the DESS Management System 704. The at least one processor of theDESS Management System 704 can send control signals via a controlinterface module to the DESS Array 702 and to individual componentsthereof.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 is one of many DESS configurationsthat provide energy storage for applications, such as the examples inFIG. 7 which include an electrical power distribution system of abuilding, an electrical power supply for a computer system, anelectrical power backup system, a reliable (e.g., fault-tolerant)electrical power distribution system, and a peak power savingarrangement (e.g., charge energy storage of a DESS, and provideelectrical power to an application, from an electrical powerdistribution grid system during time of lower cost of energydistribution to the DESS, or alternatively stop consuming all electricalpower from the electrical power distribution grid system during time ofhigher cost of energy distribution to the DESS and the application whilesupplying electrical power to the application from the stored energy inthe DESS).

Mobile Electronic Devices

The Dielectric Energy Storage System applied to provide power to amobile electronics device. The Dielectric Energy Storage System canrapidly charge and power a mobile electronics device and be applied asan electronic subcomponent to power individual device components thatconsume power such as a visual display.

Fixed Electronic Devices

The Dielectric Energy Storage System applied to provide power to a fixedelectronics device. The Dielectric Energy Storage System can rapidlycharge and power a fixed electronics device and be applied as anelectronic subcomponent to power individual device components thatconsume power such as a visual display.

Personal Electronics

The Dielectric Energy Storage System can be applied to personalelectronic devices such as wearable electronics, personal computers,cell or mobile phones, communications devices, police personalequipment, body cameras or military personnel equipment.

Electronic Circuit

The Dielectric Energy Storage System can be applied as components of anelectronic circuit. The electronic circuit can be applied as asubcomponent of a product such as a cell or mobile phone, a computer, orcommunications devices or electronics that support other applications.

Charging Stations

The Dielectric Energy Storage System applied as energy storage forcharging stations used to charge mobile DESS systems and applicationssuch as but not limited to manned and unmanned electric vehicles, mannedand unmanned mass transit vehicles, manned and unmanned aircraft, mannedand unmanned marine and submarine vehicles, manned and unmanned spacevehicles, personal devices and communications devices.

DESS Management

The DESS Management System (DESS-MS) monitors a variety of parametersand manages the DESS operational characteristics to provide optimizedperformance and increase safety measures.

Battery technologies including Li-Ion cells are very sensitive tooperating parameters. Operating cells out of the specified voltage,current and temperature ranges can cause critical damage to the batterycells. In some cases, this can lead to thermal runaway where the batterycell has an irreversible chemical reaction resulting in fire andpossible explosion. Battery management systems are critical componentsfor safety and continued operational performance Battery ManagementSystems (BMS) are required to monitor and control the battery packs suchthat all cells are never crossing parameter thresholds at any point intime.

When compared to a battery, the DESS is a solid-state dielectric energystorage device and provides significantly higher power and energydensity. There is no electrolyte and no lithium in a Dielectric EnergyStorage Module (DESM). The DESM is far less sensitive to operatingparameters such as voltage, current and temperature ranges. The DESM isbased on the DEUC Element which resembles a multilayer ceramic capacitorwith metal electrodes and ceramic energy storage layers. The DEUCElement can withstand high levels of heat, discharge high levels ofvoltage and amperage and accept high levels of voltage and amperageduring recharge without degradation and danger of fire or possibleexplosion.

The DESM is a solid-state dielectric energy storage module. DielectricEnergy Storage Modules (DESM) can be discharged to zero with no impact.Additionally, the DESM has a charge cycle life that is 100 to 1,000times greater the recharge cycles of batteries.

The DESM solid-state energy storage array can charge and discharge athigh voltages. With charge voltages of 2,000 volts or more and dischargevoltages equal to the required application voltage. This reduces oreliminates the need to connect the energy storage devices in series toraise the output voltage to meet application requirements.

This significantly reduces the number of cells required to meetapplications needs. This in return, reduces the complexity of the energymanagement system and enables improved monitoring capabilities throughgreater detail applied to the individual DESMs and DEUC Elements in theDESS Array.

The DESS Management System (DESS-MS) tasks can include monitoring systemand DSS Array performance, power management, and implementing safetymeasures for the DESS. DESS-MS are sensing the DESS Elements and/or DESSModule parameters and estimating physical conditions of the DESM andDESS Array along with the subcomponents thereof, such as based on theirstate of charge (SoC). The DESM can provide high voltage and highamperage avoiding the need to place the DESM devices in series toprovide the desired application voltage and amperage.

For example: one DESM may be used to provide 120 volts. In most cases,the DESM system can be configured purely as a parallel layer withoutseries connections. If the DESM are applied in series to increasevoltage, the DESM array can be configured to have only a few (2 to 3)DESMs in the series string and should not require active balancing.

Beyond DESMS, which comprise sensing, control and computationalcapabilities, the design of the electrical interconnection of DESSManagement System is a useful advantage of various embodiment of theinvention. Traditionally, battery management systems have been designedin a static fashion where the topology of the series andparallel-connected cells has been fixed. Additionally, thehardware/software architecture has been organized in a centralizedfashion.

The DESS-MS architecture takes advantage of new capabilities and systemarchitectures. It is proposed that a variety DESS-MS architecturesincluding:

Central control unit with a static DESS-MS configuration

Distributed control units with a static DESS-MS configuration

Central control unit with a dynamic DESS-MS configuration

Distributed control units with dynamic DESS-MS configuration

The data network connecting the DESS-MS nodes, control units and theDESS-MS sensors can be ubiquitous and can use any communications methodbest suited for the application such as data over power communications.

The communications protocols and methods are ubiquitous and can use anycommunications method best suited for the application such as controllerarea network (Can) or Local Interconnect (Lin) networks.

According to various embodiments, safety disconnects are applied at eachlevel of the DESM Array. At the DEUC Element level, the electrodes aredesigned to limit voltage, amperage and heat. The electrodes will moveto an open state disconnecting the DEUC Element from the parallelelement array. At the DEUC Stack level, the elements are designed tolimit voltage, amperage and heat.

An element in the stack will move to an open state disconnecting theElement from the Stack. At the DEUC Cell level, the stacks are designedto limit voltage, amperage and heat. A stack within the DEUC cell willmove to an open state disconnecting the DEUC Stack from the DEUC Cell.At the DESS Array level, DEUC cells can be designed to limit voltage,amperage and heat. A DEUC cell within the DEUC Array will move to anopen state disconnecting the DEUC Cell from the DEUC Array.

In some cases the disconnected device may be re-inserted (reconnected)into the DEUC Array.

DESS-MS monitors may be positioned on each DEUC Stack or DEUC Cell orDESS Module to monitor the state of the DESS components reportingvarious measurements including:

Voltage output of individual DESS Modules and subcomponents

Temperature of each DESS Module and subcomponents

Coolant intake and output temperatures where cooling devices are applied

Current in or out of the DESS Module or subcomponents.

Health monitoring analysis is applied data from the monitoringpositions:

Charge Cycle Monitoring

State of Charge (SoC) and depth of discharge (DOD)

State of health (SoH), a defined measurement of the overall condition ofthe DESS Array, DESS Module and subcomponents.

Current in or out of the DESS Module and subcomponents.

Fault Tolerant:

The DESS-MS system would be able to disconnect a DESM or subcomponentsfrom the system if necessary, to enable improved operation and safety.

Additionally, the DESS-MS can calculate statistics, such as:

Maximum charge current as a charge current limit (CCL)

Maximum discharge current as a discharge current limit (DCL)

Energy [kWh] delivered since last charge or charge cycle

Internal impedance of a DESM or subcomponent (to determine open circuitvoltage)

Charge [Ah] delivered or stored (sometimes this feature is calledCoulomb counter)

Total energy delivered since first use

Total operating time since first use

Total number of cycles

DESS Safety

The DESM may be filled with a dielectric fluid to act as an insulatingand isolating fluid between the internal components of the DESM. Inaddition, a dielectric fluid with Electrorheological (ER)characteristics can be used as a damper fluid. In one embodiment, thesefluids may flow through the DESM to cool the DESM components and passthrough a cooling station and return to the DESM. In another embodimentthe fluids may reside in the DESM and be cooled by a heat sink.

An electrorheological (ER) fluid is a suspension composed of dielectricparticles and isolating oil that has a broad range of potentialapplications in dampers, microfluids, etc.

Electrorheological (ER) fluids are suspensions of extremely finenon-conducting but electrically active particles (up to 50 microns indiameter) in an electrically insulating fluid. The viscosity of an ERfluid changes reversibly by an order of up to 100,000 in response to anelectric field. For example, a typical ER fluid can go from theconsistency of a liquid to that of a gel and back, within milliseconds.This would dampen the actions of an electrical explosion within theDESM.

To ensure safety in case of a short in the DESS system, multiple layersof fused and or switching devices are deployed at strategic pointswithin the DESM and subcomponents and between DESMs in the DESS Array.

The first fused point is at the DEUC Element where the electrode layerswithin the DEUC Elements are designed to create an open and disconnectfrom the collection plate upon a short across the left and rightelectrode.

The next fused point is at the DEUC Stack where the DEUC Element isdesigned to create an open and disconnect the DEUC Element from the DEUCStack upon a short between the positive and negative DEUC Stackcollectors.

The next safety point is at the DEUC Cell where the DEUC Cell isdesigned to create an open and disconnect the DEUC Cell from the DESMarray upon a short within the DEUC Cell.

The next safety point is at the DESS Array where the DESM is designed tocreate an open and disconnect the DESM from the DESS-Array upon a shortwithin the DESM.

The applications, management and safety measures described above do notrepresent the limits of the DESS and many additional applications can beenvisioned.

The features and advantages described in the specification are not allinclusive, and particularly, many additional features and advantageswill be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of thedescription, specification and claims hereof. Moreover, it should benoted that the language used in the specification has been principallyselected for readability and instructional purposes, and may not havebeen selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter,resort to the claims being necessary to determine such inventive subjectmatter.

An embodiment of the present subject matter can be embedded in acomputer program product, which comprises all the features enabling theimplementation of the methods described herein, and which—when loaded ina computer system—is able to carry out these methods. Computer programin the present context means any expression, in any language, code ornotation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having aninformation processing capability to perform a particular functioneither directly or after either or both of the following a conversion toanother language, code or, notation; and b reproduction in a differentmaterial form.

Each computer system may include, inter alia, one or more computers andat least a computer readable medium allowing a computer to read data,instructions, messages or message packets, and other computer readableinformation from the computer readable medium. The computer readablemedium may include computer readable storage medium embodyingnon-volatile memory, such as read-only memory ROM, flash memory, diskdrive memory, CD-ROM, and other permanent storage. Additionally, acomputer medium may include volatile storage such as RAM, buffers, cachememory, and network circuits. Furthermore, in certain embodiments of thecomputer readable medium, other than a computer readable storage mediumas discussed above, the computer readable medium may comprise computerreadable information in a transitory state medium such as a network linkand/or a network interface, including a wired network or a wirelessnetwork, that allow a computer to read such computer readableinformation.

Although specific embodiments of the subject matter have been disclosed,those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes canbe made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spiritand scope of the disclosed subject matter. The scope of the disclosureis not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments, and itis intended that the appended claims cover any and all suchapplications, modifications, and embodiments within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

Supporting Language for Claims

A Dielectric Energy Storage System (DESS) that is comprised of aDielectric Energy Storage Module (DESM) combined with a charging systemand an output voltage and amperage system that support energy storageand power to an application and where the DESS is comprised of:

-   -   a. one or more DEUC Elements, where    -   b. the one or more DEUC Elements are combined as a Dielectric        Energy Storage Module (DESM), and    -   c. where a charging system is coupled to and part of the DESM to        support charging of the DESS, and    -   d. where an output voltage and amperage regulator system is        coupled to and part of the DESM to provide controlled output        voltage and amperage from the DESS.

The Dielectric Energy Storage System where the electrical power chargingsystem comprises a step-up voltage system to provide the required chargevoltage of the dielectric energy storage system.

The Dielectric Energy Storage System where the voltage regulator systemcomprises a voltage step down system with controlled amperage to meetthe voltage and amperage requirements consumed by a particularapplication (e.g., such as any of the examples shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and7 ).

The Dielectric Energy Storage System where the dielectric energy storagesystems is applied to provide power an electric vehicle, mass transitvehicles, marine or submarine vehicles, manned or unmanned vehicles,manned or unmanned aircraft, spacecraft, space vehicles and spacestations.

The Dielectric Energy Storage System where the Dielectric Energy StorageSystems receives charging from regenerative power devices on-board.

The Dielectric Energy Storage System where the dielectric energy storagesystem is configured to receive/provide electrical power from/to a gridelectrical energy distribution system.

The Dielectric Energy Storage System where the dielectric energy storagesystem is configured to provide electrical power to mobile and fixedelectronic devices.

The Dielectric Energy Storage System where the dielectric energy storagesystem is configured to provide reliable electrical power supply andbackup electrical power supply to an electrical energy distributionsystem of a building.

The Dielectric Energy Storage System where the dielectric energy storagesystem is configured to provide reliable electrical power supply andbackup electrical power supply to a computer system.

The Dielectric Energy Storage System where the dielectric energy storagesystem is configured to store power from an alternative electricalenergy generation system such as, but not limited to, solar basedelectrical power generators and wind based electrical power generators.

The Dielectric Energy Storage System where the dielectric energy storagesystem is configured to supply electrical power to a personal electronicdevice.

The Dielectric Energy Storage System where the dielectric energy storagesystem comprises an electrical power charging station for the DESS.

The Dielectric Energy Storage System where the output voltage andamperage regulator system monitors the voltage level in the DESM andconverts from a step-down voltage regulator to a step up voltageregulator to allow the DESS to continue to provide application voltagewhen the DESM charge is lower than the application voltage.

A Dielectric Energy Storage System Management System (DESS-MS) for aDielectric Energy Storage System (DESS) comprising of:

One or more sensor modules connected to one or more DEUC Elements, whereone or more DEUC Elements are subcomponents of a Dielectric EnergyStorage Module (DESM), and

Where said sensor module is configured to monitor one or more parametersof a DESM, and

Where the DESM is connected to a network that allows data to betransmitted to and/or from the sensor module and the central controlunit or the distributed control units for analysis, and

Where each of said sensor modules has a programmable address to allowthe monitoring system to recognize the position of the sensor and theone or more dielectric energy storage device(s) that said sensor modulerepresents, and

Where the sensor records the address of number of times the one or moresubcomponents of a DESM have values that exceed one or more thresholdvalues, and

Wherein the one or more sensors may report a fault condition to themonitoring system based on measured values and thresholds, and

The DESS-MS interface to the control unit may be through a wirelessapplication, communicating via wireless communication network(s), and/ora voice recognition system that recognizes uttered voice commands andprovides information as a voice response (e.g., in response to areceived uttered voice command).

The DESS-MS wherein a central control unit, or distributed controlunits, may send a command to a DESM subcomponent (e.g., a DEUCcontroller module 326 associated with a sensor module that reportedsensor data) that in response removes or replaces a DESM subcomponent(e.g., a DEUC Stack 302).

The DESS-MS wherein the sensor module controller is connected to anetwork configured to process data communicated from any one of saidplurality of sensor modules and provide alarms associated to presetvalues.

The DES S-MS comprising the following steps;

-   -   sensing one or more parameters with the one or more sensor        modules;    -   recording the number of times one or more sensed cell values        exceed one or more threshold values,    -   communicating data related from each sensor module of the one or        more sensor modules to one or more DEUC controller module(s),    -   recognizing a position of the each sensor module and the DESS        devices that it represents through the sensor module addressing,    -   storing and analyzing the sensor data to report performance and        fault conditions,    -   taking predetermine steps when a fault condition is determined,        and    -   reporting the DESS Array performance commands to be sent to the        sensor module to affect removal or replacement of the DESS        devices reporting the fault condition.

The Dielectric Energy Storage System where one or more DESM areconfigured as a sealed unit with dielectric fluid applied to isolateelectric charge.

The Dielectric Energy Storage System where one or more DESM areconfigured as a sealed unit with dielectric fluid applied to cool theDESM components and allow the dielectric fluid to move out of the DESMto be cooled and back into the DESM.

The Dielectric Energy Storage System where one or more DESM's areconfigured as a sealed unit containing dielectric fluid that haselectrorheological (ER) fluid characteristics that act as an insulatingand isolating fluid between the internal components of the one or moreDESM's. In addition, a dielectric fluid with Electrorheological (ER)characteristics can be used as a damper fluid in the one or more DESM's.This arrangement of a DESM with dielectric fluid that haselectrorheological (ER) fluid characteristics enhances safety of usingthe DESM in various applications. According to various embodiments,characteristics of the dielectric fluid with Electrorheological (ER)properties, which can be contained in one or more DESM's, can becontrolled by any one or more of: an information processing system, aprocessor, or a Dielectric Energy Storage System Management System(DESS-MS). For example, and not for limitation, a viscosity of thedielectric fluid can be quickly (e.g., within a fraction of a second),accurately, and reversibly, changed under control from a controllingdevice or system.

A dielectric energy storage device based on a multilayer ceramiccapacitor device as described in the examples discussed herein can bedescribed as a Dense Energy Ultra-Cell Element (DEUC Element). The DEUCElement is a building block used to create, according to variousembodiments, one or more of the following:

a DEUC Cell

where one or more DEUC Elements are connected in series and/or inparallel circuit(s) to form a DEUC Cell, and

a DEUC Module

where one or more DEUC Cells are combined and interconnected in seriesand/or in parallel circuit(s) to form a DEUC Module, and

a DEUC Module Array (which may also be referred to as a DESS Array)

where one or more DEUC Modules are combined and interconnected in seriesand/or parallel circuit(s) to form a DEUC Module Array.

The DEUC Element, DEUC Cell, DEUC Module and DEUC Module Array,according to various embodiments, can be applied to store and provideelectrical power to at least one of the following: micro devices andintegrated circuits, electric vehicles, aircraft, boats, ships, unmannedaerial, terrestrial or water vehicles, electronic cigarettes, computingdevices, mobile computing devices, laptops, tablets, mobile phones,wireless communication devices, and mobile sensor systems, energystorage for an electric power grid, power backup, energy storage forsolar, wind, and other alternative energy generation systems, anduninterruptible power supplies. The previously list of embodiments isnot exhaustive, and one or more of the listed embodiments might overlapwith each other. For example, and not for limitation, a mobile computingdevice is also a computing device; a mobile phone is also a mobilecomputing device, etc.

Non-Limiting Examples

The present invention may be implemented as a system, a method, and/or acomputer program product at any possible technical detail level ofintegration. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a Memory Stick®, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, oreither source code or object code written in any combination of one ormore programming languages, including an object oriented programminglanguage such as Smalltalk®, C++, or the like, and proceduralprogramming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similarprogramming languages. The computer readable program instructions mayexecute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer,as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer andpartly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer orserver. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected tothe user's computer through any type of network, including a local areanetwork (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may bemade to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using anInternet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitryincluding, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmablegate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute thecomputer readable program instructions by utilizing state information ofthe computer readable program instructions to personalize the electroniccircuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be storedin a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, aprogrammable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to functionin a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage mediumhaving instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufactureincluding instructions which implement aspects of the functions/actsspecified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of theorder noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

Although the present specification may describe components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the invention is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards represents examples of the state of theart. Such standards are from time-to-time superseded by faster or moreefficient equivalents having essentially the same functions.

The illustrations of examples described herein are intended to provide ageneral understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and theyare not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elementsand features of apparatus and systems that might make use of thestructures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent tothose of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Otherembodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structuraland logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing fromthe scope of this invention. Figures are also merely representationaland may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may beexaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, thespecification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative ratherthan a restrictive sense.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated toachieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodimentsshown. The examples herein are intended to cover any and all adaptationsor variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the aboveembodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein,are contemplated herein.

The Abstract is provided with the understanding that it is not intendedbe used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Inaddition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features aregrouped together in a single example embodiment for the purpose ofstreamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to beinterpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodimentsrequire more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather,as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in lessthan all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the followingclaims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with eachclaim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

Although only one processor is illustrated for an information processingsystem, information processing systems with multiple central processingunits (CPUs) or processors can be used equally effectively. Variousembodiments of the present invention can further incorporate interfacesthat each includes separate, fully programmed microprocessors that areused to off-load processing from the processor. Additionally, variousembodiments can include an input user interface, and an output userinterface, or both. Examples of input user interfaces can include, forexample and not for limitation, a mouse, a keyboard, a keypad, atouchpad, or a microphone for receiving uttered voice commands and inputdata. Examples of output user interfaces can include, for example andnot for limitation, a display, lights, lamps, tactile output devices, ora speaker for outputting audible signals and/or voice responses toreceived uttered voice commands and input data.

An operating system included in main memory for a processing system maybe a suitable multitasking and/or multiprocessing operating system, suchas, but not limited to, any of the Linux®, UNIX®, Windows®, and Windows®Server based operating systems. Various embodiments of the presentinvention are able to use any other suitable operating system. Variousembodiments of the present invention utilize architectures, such as anobject oriented framework mechanism, that allow instructions of thecomponents of the operating system to be executed on any processorlocated within an information processing system. Various embodiments ofthe present invention are able to be adapted to work with any datacommunications connections including, but not limited to, present dayanalog and/or digital techniques, via wired communication, via wirelesscommunication, via short range wireless communication, via long rangewireless communication, via optical communication, via fiber opticscommunication, via satellite communication, or via a future networkingmechanism.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof. The term “another”, as used herein,is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and“having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., openlanguage). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as“connected,” although not necessarily directly, and not necessarilymechanically. “Communicatively coupled” refers to coupling of componentssuch that these components are able to communicate with one anotherthrough, for example, wired, wireless or other communications media. Theterms “communicatively coupled” or “communicatively coupling” include,but are not limited to, communicating electronic control signals bywhich one element may direct or control another. The term “configuredto” describes hardware, software or a combination of hardware andsoftware that is set up, arranged, built, composed, constructed,designed or that has any combination of these characteristics to carryout a given function. The term “adapted to” describes hardware, softwareor a combination of hardware and software that is capable of, able toaccommodate, to make, or that is suitable to carry out a given function.

The terms “controller”, “computer”, “processor”, “server”, “client”,“computer system”, “computing system”, “personal computing system”,“processing system”, or “information processing system”, describeexamples of a suitably configured processing system adapted to implementone or more embodiments herein. Any suitably configured processingsystem is similarly able to be used by embodiments herein, for exampleand not for limitation, a personal computer, a laptop personal computer(laptop PC), a tablet computer, a smart phone, a mobile phone, awireless communication device, a personal digital assistant, aworkstation, and the like. A processing system may include one or moreprocessing systems or processors. A processing system can be realized ina centralized fashion in one processing system or in a distributedfashion where different elements are spread across severalinterconnected processing systems.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.

The description of the present application has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to beexhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

1. A Dielectric Energy Storage System Management System (DESS-MS) for aDielectric Energy Storage System (DESS) comprising of: an informationprocessing system comprising at least one processor, main memory,persistent memory, and at least one communication interface; one or moresensor modules connected to one or more Dense Energy Ultra-Cell (DEUC)Elements, where the one or more DEUC Elements are respective one or moresubcomponents of a Dielectric Energy Storage Module (DESM) in aDielectric Energy Storage System (DESS), the one or more sensor modulesand the DESM being operatively coupled to the at least one processor;where each sensor module in the one or more sensor modules, operativelycoupled with the at least one processor, is configured to monitormeasured values of one or more physical conditions of the respective oneor more subcomponents of the DESM based on one or more operationalparameters of the DESM, and to generate sensor data corresponding to themonitored measured values of the one or more physical conditions, and tocommunicate the sensor data to the at least one processor; where the oneor more sensor modules and the DESM, operatively coupled with the atleast one processor, are communicatively coupled to a network for sensordata to be transmitted from the one or more sensor modules to a centralcontrol unit or to distributed control units, for analysis, and the atleast one processor is communicatively coupled with the central controlunit or the distributed control units, to receive commands therefrom,where in response to receiving a command the at least one processor,operatively coupled with the DESM, controlling features and functionsand updating the operational parameters, of the DESM; where each sensormodule of said one or more sensor modules has a programmable address toallow the at least one processor to determine a position of the eachsensor module and the one or more subcomponents of the DESM that saideach sensor module represents; where the at least one processor,operatively coupled to the one or more sensor modules, records measuredvalues of the one or more subcomponents of the DESM that exceed one ormore threshold values of the DESM; and wherein the at least oneprocessor, operatively coupled to the one or more sensor modules, isconfigured to report a fault condition, detected by the at least oneprocessor, to the central control unit or the distributed control units,based on the measured values and the one or more threshold values. 2.The DESS-MS of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor sends acommand to at least one DEUC controller module of the DESM, which inresponse to receiving the command removes from operation, or replaces, asubcomponent in the one or more subcomponents of the DESM.
 3. The DESS-MS of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured toprocess sensor data communicated from any one of said one or more sensormodules and provide alarms associated to preset values for at least onesubcomponent in the one or more subcomponents of the DESM.
 4. The DESS-MS of claim 1, wherein the DESM includes at least one DEUC controllermodule coupled with the one or more subcomponents of the DESM, andwherein the at least one processor, responsive to computer instructions,performs operations including the following method steps: sensing valuesof one or more physical conditions of the respective one or moresubcomponents of the DESM through the one or more sensor modules;recording one or more sensed values and whether the one or more sensedvalues exceed respective one or more threshold values; communicatingsensor data, corresponding to the one or more sensed values and whetherthe one or more sensed values exceed the respective one or morethreshold values, from each sensor module in the one or more sensormodules to the central control unit or the distributed control units foranalysis; recording the position of the each sensor module and the oneor more subcomponents of the DESM that said each sensor modulerepresents; storing and analyzing the sensor data from the each sensormodule; reporting measured values of one or more physical conditions ofthe respectively one or more subcomponents of the DESM and reportingfault conditions to the central control unit or the distributed controlunits, based on the measured values and the threshold values of theDESM; and in response to received commands from the central control unitor the distributed control units, controlling features and functions andupdating the operational parameters, of the DESM.
 5. The DES S-MS ofclaim 1, wherein the DESM includes at least one DEUC controller modulecoupled with the one or more subcomponents of the DESM, and wherein theat least one processor, responsive to computer instructions, performsoperations including the following method steps: wherein the at leastone processor receives the commands from the central control unit or thedistributed control units, by at least one of the following: wirelesscommunication over one or more wireless networks communicativelycoupling the at least one processor with the central control unit or thedistributed control units; or a voice recognition system communicativelycoupled with the at least one processor, where the voice recognitionsystem recognizes uttered voice commands received via a user inputinterface, and provides information, including a voice response to areceived uttered voice command, via a user output interface.
 6. TheDESS-MS of claim 5, wherein the at least one processor, responsive tocomputer instructions, performs operations including one or more of thefollowing method steps: the voice recognition system couples commands tothe at least one processor, where the commands are uttered voicecommands recognized by the voice recognition system, and the utteredvoice commands are received from a user via a microphone in the userinput interface; or the voice recognition system receives informationcoupled from the at least one processor, and provides the information,including a voice response to a received uttered voice command, via auser output interface comprising any one or more of: a display of acomputing device that displays the information; a display of a mobilephone that displays the information; or a speaker, coupled to the voicerecognition system, which emits the information as audible information.